First introduced at CES 2011 back in January, the Samsung Infuse 4G is finally showing its head. At a Samsung/AT&T press conference today it was finally announced that Samsung’s first 4G phone on AT&T will be coming May 15 for $199 with a two year contract. It will of course being joining the ranks of AT&T’s other 4G smartphones, the Motorola Atrix 4G, HTC Inspire 4G and HP Veer 4G.

This sleek smartphone comes with a 4.5-inch Super AMOLED Plus display, 1.2 GHz single-core processor, HSDPA Cat 14 (bringing download speeds to 21Mbps, while other AT&T 4G phones are stuck at 14.4Mbps) and HSUPA Cat 6 radios, 2GB microSD with support up to 32 GB, an 8-megapixel back-facing camera that does 720p video and a 1.3-megapixel front-facing camera, all while running on Android 2.2 with the Samsung TouchWiz UI. It all comes in a package just a hair thinner than the iPhone 4, being 9.24mm thick in the bulge at the bottom and 8.9mm thin everywhere else. Plus it also comes loaded with Samsung Media Hub, U-verse Mobile, U-verse Live TV, and a special free version of Angry Birds.

The Infuse 4G may not be running the latest version of Android (2.3.4), which was recently announced to bring GTalk video chat, or have the dual core power of the Atrix, and it may still leave us wondering where is the Galaxy S II and the Nexus S for AT&T, but it is a pretty nice phone for the time being. With all that screen real estate, it should be able to satisfy any Samsung fan’s hunger for a new Android smartphone.

Powered by a 1.2 GHz processor and the Android™ 2.2 platform, the Samsung Infuse 4G also boasts an 8-megapixel camera, and a $25 credit to download movie content from Samsung Media Hub.

Pre-loaded version of Angry Birds features an exclusive hidden level for Infuse 4G customers.

Samsung Infuse 4G will be available in AT&T company-owned stores and online at www.wireless.att.com on May 15 and will cost $199.99 with a two-year contract and no mail-in rebate. (Minimum $15 data plan required)

Customer Benefits

The Samsung Infuse 4G will be the thinnest 4G smartphone available in the U.S. and will feature the largest screen – at 4.5 inches – in AT&T’s smartphone lineup, and the largest touch screen on any Samsung phone. Powered by a 1.2 GHz application processor and running the Android 2.2 platform, the device delivers a brilliant display using Samsung’s next-generation Super AMOLED™ Plus technology which features 50 percent more sub-pixels for better contrast. The display also offers unmatched outdoor viewing quality, even in the brightest sunlight.

With the Infuse 4G, Samsung and AT&T are raising the stakes on pre-loaded content that is not available on any other device. In collaboration with Rovio, the Infuse 4G will feature a special edition of Angry Birds pre-loaded on the smartphone. Players can unlock a special “Golden Egg” level of the game, and once the special level is completed, users can register to win Samsung prizes exclusive to Infuse 4G users.**

The smartphone also includes an 8-megapixel camera/camcorder with auto-focus and flash that shoots HD video with incredible detail. A front facing camera is perfect for self portraits or video chat.Customers can also watch hit movies and TV shows from preloaded apps like Samsung Media Hub, U-verse Mobile and U-verse Live TV.

The first 500,000 Infuse 4G units sold will include a $25 voucher for consumers to get started on downloading content from Media Hub. With Media Hub’s progressive downloading feature, users can start watching their content almost immediately as the rest of the file downloads to the Infuse 4G. Plus,all Media Hub content can be shared among five Media Hub-enabled devices on the same account.The Infuse 4G also comes with a 2GB microSD card with preloaded trailers for upcoming summer movies.

Compatible with the Infuse 4G and other devices on the Android 2.2 platform or better, AT&T has also launched a new, fun app called JustUs. The app combines both social media and text activity from five favorite contacts into an animated wallpaper, keeping users better connected with those that matter most. Customers can download the app for free in Android Market today.

Quotes

“The 4.5-inch screen on Infuse 4G is enhanced further with Samsung’s Super AMOLED Plus technology. Colors are rich and bright, even while outdoors in sunlight,” said Jeff Bradley, senior vice president, Devices, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets. “When you juxtapose that with the fact that it’s the thinnest 4G smartphone out there today, it’s an incredibly compelling choice for our customers.”

“When you combine the powerful 1.2 GHz application processor with AT&T’s advanced 4G network, this device will truly be the fastest smartphone Samsung has ever created with AT&T,” said Omar Khan, chief technology officer & chief product officer for Samsung Mobile. “The Infuse 4G is our latest example of Samsung’s global leadership in Android platform smartphones. With every Android smartphone that we launch, we’re bringing something new and exciting to the market.”

Smartphone Portfolio

AT&T is a pioneer in smartphones and devices and expects to widen its portfolio in 2011. In January, AT&T committed to introducing 20 4G devices and 12 additional Android devices by the end of the year. Samsung Infuse 4G will be one of several new 4G devices that have been offered to AT&T customers in the first half of 2011.

Samsung Infuse 4G Accessories

To prepare for the arrival of the Samsung Infuse 4G in AT&T stores, the company has prepared a robust lineup of 14 fashionable and functional accessories including multiple case options, a vehicle mount and desk mount. All accessories are available in AT&T company-owned stores and online at www.wireless.att.com. For more details on the lineup visit www.att.com/mobilephonesnews.